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20 Reasons To Live In The Bay Of Quinte

The Bay of Quinte Region is Canada’s Best Kept Secret. Stretching along the 401 from Brighton to Napanee, north to Hastings County and south to Prince Edward County, it’s a region of varied geography and cultural traditions, with the shores of the Bay tying everything together. That’s why we’re sharing our top 20 reasons the Bay of Quinte Region is an amazing place to build your life.

1. Who needs the city? Now that High-Speed Internet, the rails, and 401 connect you to Canada’s urban hubs, you’ll find all of the amenities you need while living a life of pure… ahhhh.

2. Raising a family is best in Quinte. Beautiful four-season parks, cutting-edge private and public schools, and easy-access healthcare make this region a great place to grow with your family.

3. You Can Live the Life Aquatic. 1200 km of shoreline gets you into the water now.Boating, sailing, fishing, and one of Ontario’s best Wakeboard Schools await you in the region. A new 370 slip marina and nearby wakeboard park are now located in the Quinte West, and 4 other marinas and Yacht Clubs await.

4. Life’s a Beach. Two of Canada’s best fresh-water beaches make perfect daytrips within the Bay of Quinte Region. You’ll find Sandbanks Provincial Park and it’s famous freshwater dunes, as well as Presqu’ile Provincial Park’s historical influence just a short trip from wherever you are in the region.

5. A Friendly Community Awaits. Quinte Sports and Social Club boasts everything from beach volleyball groups to ultimate frisbee, the Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club will get you out on the water, and incredible charitable galas link the community together day and day out. It’s small enough to see familiar faces at events, but large enough to continually meet new people.

6. Affordable Living. The average house in the Bay of Quinte Region is only$260,000 with many incredible properties available for under $300,000. Developments are characterized by large yards, proximity to schools and accessibility to conservation areas and park.

7. Goodbye to Gridlock. Hit the open road (if you even have a commute), or hop on public transportation available across the Region. Cycling and walking trails border the waterfront (and new stretches are being developed in Belleville and Quinte West).

9. Cheers to Beers. Craft beer, cider, and cheddar factories are scattered across the Region, and they come together in perfect harmony on Bay of Quinte’s Cheddar and Ale Trail – cheese, beer, cider? Yes please!

10. The True Meaning of Farmers Market. Farm stands, orchards, cattle and dairy farms dot the region, with local butchers and growers providing fresh food daily. Bay of Quinte restaurants hold to the true meaning of “Farm to Table” with many committed to locally sourced produce, syrup, wines, and more.

11. Join the Conversation with Local Politics. You can meet and engage with local politicians, councillors, and mayors more frequently, and be a part of the conversation surrounding your municipality. Politicians are accessible and active in ensuring that local voices are heard.

12. The Big City is Within Reach. VIA Rail can take you Downtown Toronto inless than 2 hours. The 401 is the same. Ottawa and Montreal are less than 3 hours away, and are also accessible by VIA Rail.

13. Four-Season Festivals. Mark your calendars for Brighton Applefest, Empire Rockfest, Trenton Scottish Irish Festival, Kiwanis Walleye World, Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival, Marmora SnoFest and of course, quirkier gatherings like the Tweed Tribute to Elvis and The Great Canadian Cheese Festival each year in the Bay of Quinte Region.

14. Go Fish. You’ll quickly learn what anglers mean when they refer to“QuinteGold”. One of the top walleye fishing destinations on the planet, nestled along The Great Waterway, the Bay of Quinte and surrounding bodies of water (like the 5,000 lakes in the nearby Land O’Lakes!) are populated with everything from pickerel to salmon to black crappie, and you’ll be hard pressed not to feel a tug on the line within your first moments out on the water.

15. Prince Edward County. One of Canada’s must see destinations, the Bay of Quinte Region is within reach of over 30 wineries, interspersed with rural culinary experiences, beach destinations, and artists’ studios amongst the bucolic backdrops of The County.

16. Daily ‘Air Shows’ from CFB Trenton. Canada’s largest air base makes it’s home in Quinte West. Aircraft are in and out everyday: Just look to the skies and you’ll be privy to training exercises in Trenton and at Mountainview in Prince Edward County.

17. Great Golf. 23 golf courses in the region mean you never have to wait for a tee-time. The average price is $50.00 and memberships are far less. Black Bear Ridge (the Bear) is ranked in the top 70 in Canada.

18. The Arts are Alive and Well. Galleries, Arts Trails, and unique artisans call the region home. Make sure to attend the Plein Air Arts festival in the spring, where artists come to the region to paint Belleville ‘en plein air’ or take a cycling studio tour of Rednersville Road in the late summer.

19. Find Different Ways To Get Active. The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, the Trenton YMCA, and ESROC Centre in Wellington will make it easy to find time for swimming, hockey, fitness classes, or floorball. If you prefer a more intimate workout, you’ll find private studios for yoga, pilates, and spin. From spring to fall, there are plenty of soccer, rugby, and football programs and fields. The Waterfront Trail offers four seasons of fitness opportunities, and Batawa Ski Hill is the home of the Region’s ski-race program.

20. The Seasons. Take part as your community taps the trees in the Spring for fresh maple syrup, experience outdoor festivals featuring local tastes and live music during the Summer, take a country drive in the Fall to pick out all the vibrant colours, hit the hard water in Winter for world-famous ice fishing. Only in Canada!